Multi-Sectional Container

ABSTRACT

A multi-sectional container may comprise a base section and one or more expansion sections coupled to the base section. As product is removed from the multi-sectional container, one or more of the expansion sections may be decoupled to allow more convenient access to the remaining product.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present technology relates generally to containers, and, more particularly, to containers with releasably coupled sections.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

A wide variety of containers are used throughout the food products industry. The majority of these containers are made of a plastic or other polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate, low density and high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. The vast majority of food containers are blow molded or injection molded as a rigid, single piece.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may be directed to a container. An exemplary container may comprise a base section defining a first storage area therein. An expansion section may define a second storage area therein and may be configured to releasably couple to the base section. The first storage area and the second storage area may form a continuous storage area when the expansion section is coupled to the base section.

According to additional exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure may be directed to a container. An exemplary container may comprise a base section defining a first storage area therein. A first expansion section may define a second storage area therein and may be configured to releasably couple to the base section. A second expansion section may define a third storage area therein and may be configured to releasably couple to the first expansion section. The first storage area, the second storage area, and the third storage area may form a continuous storage area when the first expansion section is coupled to the base section and the second expansion section is coupled to the first expansion section.

According to further exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure may be directed to a container. An exemplary container may comprise a base section. The base section may comprise a cylindrical side wall, a bottom panel, and a coupling feature. The cylindrical sidewall may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the cylindrical sidewall may separate the first end from the second end. The bottom panel may span the first end of the base section cylindrical sidewall first end and may define a first storage area therein. The coupling feature may be disposed around a portion of the base section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the base section second end. The exemplary container may further comprise an expansion section. The expansion section may comprise a cylindrical sidewall and one or more coupling features. The cylindrical sidewall may have a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the cylindrical sidewall may separate the first end from the second end. A coupling feature may be disposed around a portion of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the expansion section cylindrical sidewall first end and configured to releasably engage the coupling feature of the base section. A coupling feature may be disposed around a portion of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end. A closure device may be releasably coupled to the coupling feature of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end, thereby forming a second storage area therein. The first storage area and the second storage area may form a continuous storage area when the expansion section is coupled to the base section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate embodiments of concepts that include the claimed disclosure, and explain various principles and advantages of those embodiments.

The devices disclosed herein have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a prior art container.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a multi-sectional container comprising a base section and an expansion section according to various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-sectional container comprising a base section and an expansion section according to various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a multi-sectional container comprising a base section, an expansion section, and a second expansion section according to various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a multi-sectional container comprising a base section, an expansion section, and a second expansion section according to various embodiments.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a multi-sectional container comprising a base section, an expansion section, and a second expansion section according to various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of coupling features of a portion of a multi-sectional container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of coupling features of a portion of a multi-sectional container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of coupling features of a portion of a multi-sectional container according to various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of coupling features of a portion of a multi-sectional container according to various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this technology is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the technology and is not intended to limit the technology to the embodiments illustrated.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the technology. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters. It will be further understood that several of the figures are merely schematic representations of the present technology. As such, some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.

Many food products are packaged in containers that are overly large in diameter or height. This is especially true for bulk packaging sold through warehouse-type stores. While these large containers allow for reduced pricing when large volumes of the product are purchased, the containers pose significant problems when in use. For example as illustrated in FIG. 1, a consumer may typically use a common household knife 110 to dispense the food product 115 from the prior art container 105. However, once a portion of the product 115 has been dispensed from the container 105, the consumer must reach further and further into the container 105 to reach the remaining product 115 (see FIG. 1). Inevitably, a handle of the knife 110 gets coated with the product 115, and then the product 115 gets transferred to the hands of the consumer leading to a mess that must be cleaned. The situation is even worse when a child dispenses the product 115, leading to the product 115 being transferred to clothes, hair, cabinets, countertops, and the like.

The present disclosure eliminates these problems through a multi-sectional container. Prior art containers 105, as illustrated in FIG. 1, are formed as a single piece. The multi-sectional container of the present disclosure comprises a container with two or more coupled sections. As shown in an exploded view in FIG. 2 and an assembled view in FIG. 3, the multi-sectional container 205 may comprise a base section 210 and an expansion section 245. In various embodiments, the multi-sectional container 205 may also comprise a closure device 280 such as a lid or cap. The closure device 280 may also comprise a coupling feature 285. As the consumer removes the product 115 from the multi-sectional chamber 205, the expansion section 245 may be removed, thereby allowing easier access to the product 115 in the base section 210. After removing the expansion section 245, the consumer may easily access the product 115 in the base section 210 without having to reach down through a mostly empty container. Removing the expansion section 245 essentially converts the large container 205 into a smaller, more easily accessible container 205 sized more appropriately for the amount of product 115 remaining.

The base section 210 may comprise a generally cylindrical sidewall 215. The base section cylindrical sidewall 215 may comprise a first end 230 and a second end 235 opposite one another. A bottom panel 220 may span the first end 230 generally perpendicular to the base section cylindrical sidewall 215, and defining a first storage area 240 therein. The base section 210 may further comprise a coupling feature 225 positioned in proximity to the second end 235. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the coupling feature 225 may comprise a threaded coupling feature 225, or any other coupling feature 225 known in the art as discussed further below.

The expansion section 245 may comprise a generally cylindrical sidewall 250. The expansion section cylindrical sidewall 250 may comprise a first end 260 and a second end 265 opposite one another. The expansion section 245 may further comprise a coupling feature 270 positioned in proximity to the first end 260, and a coupling feature 255 positioned in proximity to the second end 265. The coupling feature 270 of the expansion section first end 260 may be configured to releasably couple to the coupling feature 225 of the base section second end 235. For example, the coupling feature 225 and the coupling feature 270 may comprise interlocking threads that allow the base section 210 and the expansion section 245 to be releasably screwed together (see, for example, FIG. 3).

The coupling feature 255 of the expansion section second end 265 may be configured to releasably couple to the coupling feature 285 of the closure device 280. For example, the closure device 280 may comprise a lid that screws onto the coupling feature 255 of the expansion section second end 265. Although FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate all of the coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285 as being generally the same, the scope of the present disclosure contemplates that any combination of coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285 may be incorporated into a single multi-sectional container 205. For example, coupling features 225 and 270 may comprise one type of mechanism, while coupling features 255 and 285 may comprise an entirely different type of mechanism.

The expansion section cylindrical sidewall 245 may define a second storage area 275 therein. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the first storage area 240 and the second storage area 275 may form a continuous storage area 305 when the base section 210 and the expansion section 245 are coupled together. Each of the first storage area 240 and the second storage area 275 may contain the same product 115, or different products 115. For example, each of the first storage area 240 and the second storage area 275 may contain peanut butter, but in other exemplary embodiments the first storage area 240 may contain jelly and the second storage area 275 may contain peanut butter. As is obvious to one skilled in the art, the products 115 contained in the first storage area 240 and the second storage area 275 may be as diverse as the entirety of items found in a grocery store, and may extend beyond foodstuffs. The scope of the present disclosure encompasses anything that can be dispensed into either the base section 210 or the expansion section 245, including solids and liquids.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate that the scope of the present disclosure contemplates embodiments of the multi-sectional container 205 with more than one expansion section 245. Here, an exemplary multi-sectional container 205 with a second expansion section 405 is illustrated. The second expansion section 405 may comprise a generally cylindrical sidewall 410. The second expansion section cylindrical sidewall 410 may comprise a first end 415 and a second end 420 opposite one another. The second expansion section 405 may further comprise a coupling feature 425 positioned in proximity to the first end 415, and a coupling feature 430 positioned in proximity to the second end 420. The coupling feature 425 of the second expansion section first end 415 may be configured to releasably couple to the coupling feature 255 of the expansion section second end 265. For example, the coupling feature 425 and the coupling feature 255 may comprise interlocking threads that allow the expansion section 245 and the second expansion section 405 to be releasably screwed together (see, for example, FIG. 5). While not specifically illustrated, the scope of the present disclosure includes embodiments with more than two expansion sections 245, 405.

The second expansion section cylindrical sidewall 410 may define a third storage area 435 therein. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first storage area 240, the second storage area 275, and the third storage area 435 may form the continuous storage area 305 when the base section 210, the expansion section 245, and the second expansion section 405 are coupled together. As described previously in relation to FIG. 3, each of the first storage area 240, the second storage area 275, and the third storage area 435 may contain the same product 115, or different products 115.

As noted previously, any coupling feature 225, 255, 270, 285, 425, 430 known in the art is within the scope of the present invention. FIGS. 6-8 illustrate exemplary embodiments of coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285, 425, 430. FIG. 6 illustrates threaded coupling features 225, 270 as described previously, as well as a resistance fit coupling feature 255, 425. In the exemplary illustration of FIG. 6, an outer diameter of the coupling feature 255 of the expansion section second end 265 may be slightly less than an inner diameter of the coupling feature 425 of the second expansion section first end 415 such that coupling feature 255 may be placed within coupling feature 425 in a resistance fit.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of coupling features 225, 270. In this embodiment, the coupling feature 225 of the base section second end 235 may comprise an annular ring 705 extending outward from an outer surface of the base section cylindrical sidewall 215. The coupling feature 270 of the expansion section first end 260 may comprise a similar but hollow annular ring 710 extending outward from an outer surface of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall 250. In this example, when the expansion section 245 is brought into contact with the base section 210, the annular ring 705 of the base section second end coupling feature 225 may engage the hollow annual ring 710 of the expansion section first end coupling feature 270, thereby coupling the expansion section 245 to the base section 210.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another exemplary embodiment of coupling features 225, 270. In this embodiment, the base section second end coupling feature 225 may comprise a plurality of spaced apart protrusions 805 extending outward from an outer surface of the base section cylindrical sidewall 215. The expansion section first end coupling feature 270 may comprise L-shaped slots 810 corresponding to each protrusion 805. In this example, when the expansion section 245 is brought into contact with the base section 210, the protrusions 805 may enter a vertical portion of the L-shaped slots 810. When the protrusions 805 reach an upper limit of the vertical portion of the L-shaped slots 810, the expansion section 245 may be rotated until the protrusions 805 reach a limit of a horizontal portion of the L-shaped slots 810, thereby coupling the expansion section 245 to the base section 210.

In the above examples, the coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285, 425, 430 were incorporated into each of the base section 210 and the expansion sections 245, 405. Exemplary embodiments as illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 may comprise a single coupling feature between sections 210, 245, 405. One such exemplary arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 9 in which a detachable pull tab 905 may circumferentially couple the expansion section first end 260 to the base section second end 235. By pulling an end tab 910, the pull tab 905 may be removed, which may decouple the expansion section 245 from the base section 210. Similarly, FIG. 10 illustrates a circumferential line of perforation 1005 separating the base section 210 and the expansion section 245. The consumer may break the perforation 1005, thereby decoupling the expansion section 245 from the base section 210.

Various embodiments of the multi-sectional container 205 may be used to store liquid or semi-liquid products 115. These embodiments may further comprise a sealant or sealing mechanism to prevent leakage of the product 115 at the coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285, 425, 430 when the base section 210 and the expansion sections 245, 405 are coupled together. For example, after coupling the expansion section 245 to the base section 210, an inner surface of the resulting multi-sectional container 205 may be coated with a material that seals the joint formed at an intersection of coupling feature 225 and coupling feature 270. The coating may be applied to the entire inner surface of the multi-sectional container 205 or only on a portion of the inner surface in proximity to the joint at an intersection of coupling feature 225 and coupling feature 270. Exemplary embodiments comprising the second expansion section 405 may also comprise a coating that seals a joint formed at an intersection between coupling feature 255 and 430. Additionally, a coating may be applied on an outer surface of the multi-sectional container 205 in place of, or in addition to, the coating on the inner surface.

In still further exemplary embodiments, a sealant may be applied to one or more of the coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285, 425, 430. The sealant may then form a liquid tight seal when the coupling features 225, 255, 270, 285, 425, 430 are contacted to one another. Yet further exemplary embodiments may comprise a sealing device added to one or more of the base section 210 or expansion sections 245, 405. For example, a ring of elastomeric material may be placed around a portion of the sidewall 215 of the base section 210 in proximity to the second end 235. When the expansion section 245 is coupled to the base section 210, the expansion section coupling feature 270 may contact the sealing device, thereby forming a water tight seal. Similarly, the sealing device may be placed at any of the joints between the base section 210 and expansion sections 245, 405. In at least some of the exemplary embodiments, the sealing device may also comprise a coupling feature. For example, the sealing device may comprise an elastomeric ring with threads molded into an outer surface. The sealing device may also form a seal by resistance fit with the base section 210 or the expansion sections 245, 405, or another sealing device.

The sealant or sealing mechanism may additionally comprise any method or device contemplated by one skilled in the art, such as a shrink wrap material, heat seal (such as heating the joint after coupling one or more of the base section 210 and the expansion sections 245, 405), or chemical seal (such as applying a chemical to the joint to releasably fuse the sections 210, 245, 405 together). Sealants or sealing material may be dip applied, brush applied, spray applied, or any other method or technique known in the art.

The base section 210 and the expansion sections 245, 405 may comprise any suitable material for the product 115 stored in the multi-sectional container 205. Exemplary materials comprise a plastic or other polymer material such as polyethylene terephthalate, low density and high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. Various embodiments may comprise glass or metallic materials. Mixtures of these or other materials may also be used, and individual section 210, 245, 405 may comprise different materials than other individual sections 210, 245, 405 within the same multi-sectional container 205.

In the exemplary embodiments presented in FIGS. 2-10, the base section 210 and the expansion sections 240, 405 are depicted with cylindrical sidewalls 215, 250, 410. While cylindrical sidewalls may present advantages for mass production and the use of screw threads for coupling, the scope of the present disclosure contemplates any possible shape for the sidewalls 215, 250, 410. For example, one or more of the sidewalls 215, 250, 410 may comprise a rectangular, triangular, spherical, or other simple or complex geometric shape. Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates different shapes for each of the base section 210 and the expansion sections 240, 405.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”, “upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”, “comprising”, and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

While the present technology has been described in connection with a series of preferred embodiments, these descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the technology to the particular forms set forth herein. It will be further understood that the methods of the technology are not necessarily limited to the discrete steps or the order of the steps described. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the technology as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container, comprising: a base section defining a first storage area therein; and an expansion section defining a second storage area therein and configured to releasable couple to the base section; the first storage area and the second storage area forming a continuous storage area when the expansion section is coupled to the base section.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base section comprises a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
 3. The container of claim 2, wherein the base section cylindrical sidewall second end further comprises a coupling feature.
 4. The container of claim 3, wherein the expansion section comprises a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
 5. The container of claim 4, wherein the expansion section cylindrical sidewall first end comprises a coupling feature and the expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end comprises a coupling feature.
 6. The container of claim 5, wherein the expansion section cylindrical sidewall first end coupling feature is configured releasably engage the base section cylindrical sidewall second end coupling feature.
 7. The container of claim 5, further comprising a second expansion section defining a third storage area therein and configured to releasably couple to the expansion section.
 8. The container of claim 7, wherein the second expansion section comprises a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end.
 9. The container of claim 8, wherein the second expansion section cylindrical sidewall first end comprises a coupling feature and the second expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end comprises a coupling feature.
 10. The container of claim 9, wherein the second expansion section cylindrical sidewall first end coupling feature is configured releasably engage the expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end coupling feature.
 11. The container of claim 10, wherein the first storage area, the second storage area, and the third storage area forming the continuous storage area when the expansion section is coupled to the base section and the second expansion section is coupled to the expansion section.
 12. A container, comprising: a base section defining a first storage area therein; a first expansion section defining a second storage area therein and configured to releasably couple to the base section; a second expansion section defining a third storage area therein and configured to releasably couple to the first expansion section; the first storage area, the second storage area, and the third storage area forming a continuous storage area when the first expansion section is coupled to the base section and the second expansion section is coupled to the first expansion section.
 13. The container of claim 12, wherein the base section and the first expansion section each comprise a coupling feature that releasably couples the base section and the first expansion section.
 14. The container of claim 12, wherein the first expansion section and the second expansion section each comprise a coupling feature that releasably couples the first expansion section and the second expansion section.
 15. The container of claim 12, wherein each of the base section, the first expansion section, and the second expansion section are cylindrically shaped.
 16. The container of claim 12, further comprising a closure device having a coupling feature configured to releasably couple the closure device to the second expansion section.
 17. A container, comprising: a base section, comprising: a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the cylindrical sidewall separating the first end from the second end; a bottom panel spanning the first end of the base section cylindrical sidewall first end and defining a first storage area therein; and a coupling feature disposed around at least a portion of the base section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the base section cylindrical sidewall second end; an expansion section, comprising: a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the cylindrical sidewall separating the first end from the second end and defining a second storage area therein; a coupling feature disposed around at least a portion of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the expansion section cylindrical sidewall first end and configured to releasably engage the coupling feature of the base section; and a coupling feature disposed around at least a portion of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end; the first storage area and the second storage area forming a continuous storage area when the expansion section is coupled to the base section.
 18. The container of claim 17, further comprising: a second expansion section, comprising: a cylindrical sidewall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the cylindrical sidewall separating the first end from the second end and defining a third storage section therein; a coupling feature disposed around at least a portion of the second expansion section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the second expansion section sidewall first end and configured to engage the coupling feature of the expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end; and a coupling feature disposed around a portion of the second expansion section cylindrical sidewall in proximity to the second expansion section sidewall second end; the first storage area, the second storage area, and the third storage area forming the continuous storage area when the base section, the expansion section, and the second expansion section are coupled together.
 19. The container of claim 17, further comprising a closure device, the closure device further comprising a coupling feature configured to releasably couple the closure device to the second expansion section cylindrical sidewall second end.
 20. The container of claim 18, wherein one or more of the coupling features comprise screw threads. 